Many health care services can be provided for students to keep them at school where they can learn and participate with other students. Our goal is to provide information to parents and legal guardians about some of the services and programs available for addressing the health care needs of students during the school day to help students succeed in school. It is important that the necessary health care information is shared with the appropriate people—such as teachers on duty during recess, bus drivers, and cafeteria employees—to make sure that the students’ needs are met throughout the school day.

Individual Health Care Plans or Individual Health Plans (IHPs)

Individual health care plans are also called individual health plans or IHPs. School nurses who are registered nurses write IHPs to guide how a student’s health care needs will be met while at school. The nurse works with the student, the student’s parents or legal guardians, the student’s health care provider, and other school staff to write the plan. IHPs are written for students who have special health care needs that must be met by school staff during the school day. IHPs are also written for students who have been approved by the school district to self-medicate or self-monitor. To learn more about IHPs, talk with your child’s school nurse or lead nurse Grace Ann Jones, 803-475-2381/803-283-1958, Andrew Jackson High, 6925 Kershaw-Camden Highway, Kershaw SC 29067.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)

Section 504 is a federal law that requires public schools to make adjustments so that students with certain disabilities can learn and participate in settings like other students who do not have disabilities. To be eligible for services under Section 504, a student must have a condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A team decides if a student is eligible. The team should include the student’s parent or legal guardian, the student (if able), and others who know the student or know about the student’s disability, such as a teacher, a guidance counselor, a school nurse, and other school staff. If the student is eligible, the team develops an individual accommodation plan. The individual accommodation plan explains how the student’s needs will be met while at school and may include health services for the student during the school day if needed. To learn more about Section 504, contact Student Services Director Kathy Durbin, 803-285-8438, 302 West Dunlap Street, Lancaster SC 29720.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Students, ages 3 through 21 years, may receive services under the IDEA if the student needs special education and related services to benefit from his or her educational program. A team decides if a student qualifies for services under the IDEA. The team includes the student’s parent or legal guardian, teachers, and other school staff. The team develops an individualized education program (IEP) if the student meets federal and state requirements. The IEP outlines a plan for helping the student receive a free appropriate public education and meet goals set by the team. The IEP may include health services for the student during the school day if needed. Contact Student Services Director Kathy Durbin, 803- 285-8438, 302 West Dunlap Street, Lancaster SC 29720 to learn more about the IDEA.

Medical Homebound Instruction

Medical homebound instruction is a service that is available for students who cannot attend school for a medical reason even with the aid of transportation. A physician must certify that the student has such a medical condition but may benefit from instruction, and must fill out the medical homebound form that the school district provides. The school district then decides whether to approve the student for medical homebound services. The school district will consider the severity of the student’s illness or injury, the length of time that the student will be out of school, the impact that a long period away from school will have on the student’s academic success, and whether the student’s health needs can be met at school.

EARLY DEPARTURES

1. Students needing to leave before the end of the school day will need to have a parent or guardian come to the school office and sign the student out no later than 2:30.

2. Students are required to attend each class a minimum number of days during each instructional/grading period (refer to attendance section), and early departures that result in a class absence are deducted from the total days in attendance.

MEDICINE

Over-the-counter medications must be supplied for each individual student by the parent, secured in the nurse’s office, and logged in when given to each student.

Prescription medication must be in original container bearing the label from the pharmacy. The student's' name, drug name, dosage, and the name of the prescribing physician must be clearly visible. Doctor prescribed medications must be supplied for each individual student by the parent, secured in the nurse’s office, and logged in when given to each student.

Forms for all medication disbursement are available from the Nurse's Office.

STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN A STUDENT IS ABSENT FROM SCHOOL

In the event a student is aware that he/she will be absent from school, every effort should be made to complete all work before returning to school. Parents wishing to get assignments for an absent student should call the school office during the morning. Students should bring a note from their parents or a doctor's excuse upon returning to school following the absence.